Day 1. Arrival

Day 2. The Wonders of SnŠfellsnes Peninsula

Pick up your car in the morning and head towards the Hvalfj÷r­ur fjord and Borgarnes town. The main road is in a tunnel shortcut under the fjord but the drive around the fjord is scenic and is recommended instead of the tunnel. Continue to Borgarnes, a small town at the north coast of the Borgarfj÷r­ur fjord. From Borgarnes continue to the SnŠfellsnes peninsula. Enroute, pass the magnificent Eldborg crater and a number of other cone shapes craters before exploring the numerous natural wonders the peninsula has to offer. Head to the west along the south shore of the peninsula towards Arnarstapi, a small fishing hamlet with a spectacular coast and sea cliffs, teeming with birdlife in summer. Continue a short distance to Hellnar, another small settlement with more spectacular sea cliffs and varied birdlife. There is an interesting hiking trail along the coast between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, about 30 - 40 minutes walk. Continue around the tip of the peninsula at the foot of the magnificent SnŠfellsj÷kull, a cone shaped and ice-capped volcano and stop at the rocky beaches of Dj˙palˇnssandur and DritvÝk, popular hiking areas. Continue towards the north side of the peninsula, passing the fishing towns Rif and Hellissandur on the way to ËlafsvÝk.

Day 3. Brei­afj÷r­ur Bay

In the morning we suggest a very special cruise from Stykkishˇlmur, among the islands of Brei­afj÷r­ur Bay with its unique birdlife, puffins guillemots, kittiwakes, eiders and many other species nest here in great numbers and the white tailed eagles nest here too and are frequently seen. This is an unforgettable experience and takes a little more than 2 hours. The cruise is available daily at 11:00 from 14. May ľ 15. October and at 11:00 on Tuesdays from 15. January - 03. December. Please call 433 2254 for details. In the afternoon sail with a ferry across the Brei­afj÷r­ur bay with its countless islands and rich bird life to BrjßnslŠkur. Enroute to BrjßnslŠkur there will be made a short stop at Flatey Island.

Day 4. The Amazing West Fjords

Visit Lßtrabjarg, one of the most crowded bird cliffs in the world. In summer the 444 m high sea cliffs are occupied by millions of Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills. Head to ═safj÷r­ur town, enrout stop at the impressive Waterfall Dynjandi. Drive along the shores of the Arnarfj÷r­ur Fjord and across the Hrafnseyrarhei­i Pass to the fishing village Ůingeyri. Proceed From Ůingeyri across Gemlufallshei­i Pass to Flateyri, a small town and take the tunnel to ═safj÷r­ur, the largest town in the Westfjords. Explore the town of ═safj÷r­ur and its surroundings and the neighbouring towns, BolungarvÝk and Su­ureyri. In summer, Kayak tours are available on ═safj÷r­ur Fjord and the Natural History Museum of BolungarvÝk is an interesting place to visit.

Day 5. The Amazing West Fjords

Explore the town of ═safj÷r­ur, its surroundings and the neighbouring towns of BolungarvÝk and Su­ureyri. In summer, an interesting boat tour to the picturesque Vigur Island is available from ═safj÷r­ur, this is a great adventure for nature. The Natural History Museum of BolungarvÝk is well worth a visit. Drive along the shores of the numerous and mostly uninhabited fjords of ═safjar­ardj˙p with beautiful coastlines teeming with seals and bird life and to HˇlmavÝk. Enroute there is an interesting detour to Reykjanes where there is a possibility to take a swim in a geothermal pool. We suggest that you visit the Witchcraft museum at HˇlmavÝk.

Day 6. North West Iceland

Continue via Hr˙tafj÷r­ur and Mi­fj÷r­ur fjords to Bl÷nduˇs. Cross the Vatnsska­ Pass to the fertile valley of Skagafj÷r­ur, renowned for horse breeding. Popular Horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available in Skagafj÷r­ur. In the upper reaches of Skagafj÷r­ur you will also be able to join some of the best White Water Rafting in Iceland. See GlaumbŠr Folk Museum, open during the summer and the old tiny church at VÝ­imřri is well worth a visit. An interesting boat trip is available from Skagafj÷r­ur to the spectacular Drangey Island with its sheer cliffs, a landmark on the Skagafj÷r­ur fjord, certainly a great experience. Hˇlar is also an interesting historical place to visit and the town Hofsˇs with its old buildings and the Emigration Center.

Day 7. Akureyri The Capital Of The North

Spend the morning in the Skagafj÷r­ur area for some more touring and exploring opportunities. In the afternoon drive to Akureyri, the largest town in the North of Iceland. Explore this fascinating town on the shores of the Eyjafj÷r­ur fjord. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Akureyri is its warm climate. Although it is situated only 60 miles to the south of the Arctic Circle, it has some of the best weather in the country. See the Botanical Gardens and some of the many museums and art galleries. If time allows we suggest a circle trip through the Eyjafj÷r­ur valleys.

Day 8. Lake Mřvatn┤s Stunning Surroundings

Leave Eyjafj÷r­ur in the morning and head for Lake Mřvatn. Stop to take a look at Go­afoss, a spectacular waterfall. Continue on to Lake Mřvatn. Spend the day exploring the many natural wonders of Lake Mřvatn and it's surroundings. The lake area is known for its exceptionally many breeding duck species and the abundance of other birdlife. The lake's surroundings show great variety in landscapes and amazing geological formations. Visit its numerous highlights; Dimmuborgir lava formations, volcano Krafla, Nßmaskar­ geothermal area, Sk˙tusta­agÝgar Craters, the Nature Baths, and numerous other interesting and scenic spots. The geothermal power station at Krafla, Kr÷fluvirkjun is open to visitors during summer (free admission) where you can see how natural hot water from underground and steam under high pressure has been harnessed for generating electricity.
Drive to H˙savÝk, sometimes called ôThe Whale Watching Capital of The Worldö. H˙savÝk was the first place in Iceland to offer Whale Watching cruises and many touristsĺ sole purpose for visiting the town is to participate. The Whale Museum in H˙savÝk is an educational information centre on marine wildlife. Visit the H˙savÝk Natural and Maritime Museum, one of the best in the country.

Day 9. J÷kulsßrglj˙fur National Park & Egilssta­ir

Drive to the north to Hljˇ­aklettar, Echo rocks, an extremely beautiful canyon carved by the river J÷kulsß ß Fj÷llum. This area offers many interesting hiking trails to explore the many wonders of J÷kulsßrglj˙fur National Park and visit the horseshoe shaped ┴sbyrgi canyon. Continue to the south along a rather rough but scenic route to Dettifoss waterfall the mightiest waterfall in Europe. From here drive to the east across the highland plateau and across the M÷­rudals÷rŠfi highlands renowned for their stark beauty to the Egilssta­ir area. There is a short and scenic drive across Fjar­arhei­i Heath to Sey­isfj÷r­ur town.

Day 10. The Tranquil East Fjords

Drive from Egilssta­ir to to the magnificent East Fjords, some now deserted, each a world of its own. The Stone Collection of Petra at St÷­varfj÷r­ur is well worth a visit. Stop at Dj˙pivogur, a small fishing town. Continue to the south and past Lˇns÷rŠfi and to top of Almannaskar­ pass for a great view. Continue to H÷fn in Hornafjordur, a blooming community in the realm of the greatest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. Snowmobiling tours on Vatnaj÷kull is available here.

Day 11. The Great Glacier Lagoon & Skaftafell National Park

Continue to the west and head for J÷kulsßrlˇn, the Glacial Lagoon, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Huge icebergs, true sculptures of nature are floating on the blue glacial waters of the lagoon at the foot of the Brei­amerkurj÷kull glacier. An extremely popular boat trip is available from here during summer to sail among the floating icebergs on the lagoon. Seals are a common sight in the lagoon. Continue along the south coast and head for Skaftafell National Park, nestling between glaciers and with many hiking possibilities. Its natural beauty is a result of favourable weather conditions and the interaction of fire and ice. An interesting hiking trail takes you to Svartifoss, one of Icelands most picturesque waterfall, famous for basalt columns which surround it and the hiking trail to Skaftafellsj÷kull glacier is accessible even to wheelchair. A video of a volcanic eruption in the area in 1996 can also be viewed at the Visitors Center.Beneath the Vatnaj÷kull ice cap, towering above Skaftafell is GrÝmsv÷tn, one of Icelandĺs most active volcano. . In the afternoon of 21. May 2011, a sub-glacial eruption started in the GrÝmsv÷tn volcanic system underneath Vatnaj÷kull Glacier. Later the same day, the eruption broke the ice cover of the glacier and started spewing volcanic ash into the air. The amount of ash fall was the greatest close to the village KirkjubŠjarklaustur. The eruption went on for about a week. It ceased on 28. May 2011. From Skaftafell drive to KirkjubŠjarklaustur.

Day 12. The Colorful Landmannalaugar

From KirkjubŠjarklaustur drive to the Fjallabak route. The route is one of the most scenic trails in the interior highlands of Iceland, perhaps the most colourful and diversified of the many interesting mountain tracks, rugged colourful landscape of unsurpassed beauty. One of the highlights of the route is Eldgjß, one of the most interesting sights in this part of the country. Here nature has created a unique spectacle splitting mountains and valleys in its course creating a gigantic 30 km long gash into the earth, in some places is up to 600m wide and up to 200m deep. The volcanic fissure is considered to be the greatest of its kind on earth. Only a small part of Eldgjß can be visited by car. ËfŠrufoss, used to be one of the country┤s most beautiful waterfall, framed by a natural bridge, arching over the rivers gorge that collapsed years ago. From Eldgjß, drive along twisting route west along and over a winding rough trail skirting the base of mountains and sometimes through narrow defiles where snow remains long into summer. There is marvellous scenery along the route.
Continue to Landmannalaugar, nesting under the high edge of an obsidian lava flow. Here is a wardens station, mountain hut and a camping site. Near the hut is a warm water pool created by the confluence of natural hot water and a coldwater springs which issue within a short distance of one another from underneath the high edge of the obsidian lava above.
The scenic interest in the area is tremendous. The mountains here are perhaps the most varied and colourful in Iceland.
A hike to nearby Blßhnj˙kur, where the visitor has unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside is highly recommended, also to J÷kulgil, a long rugged defile with several side canyons and tributary gullies. High up on the slopes above the lava under which the hut nestles is a colourful thermal area, springs emitting sulphurous odours. Leave Landmannalaugar and pass lake Frostasta­avatn, surrounded by colourful mountains and craters. Continue on a trail that proceeds cutting across some relatively recent lava streams and through the Dˇmadalur valley. Come to Landmannahellir, a cave that runs some distance into a hillside. The track passes through a wide variety of canyons, valleys, over rock ridges and black lava, weird plain of lava rocks surrounded by captivating mountains. The mountain track over Landmannalei­ offers some of the finest scenic views available throughout this fascinating region. Off the track there are various trails leading to the volcano Hekla, which is in view on and off to the south of the trail. At the end of the route continue to Hella.

On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmv÷r­uhßls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallaj÷kull and Mřrdalsj÷kull. The eruption on Fimmv÷r­uhßls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallaj÷kull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.

Day 13. The Golden Circle

Start the day by visiting the volcanic crater Keri­ and then to the waterfall Faxi. Continue to the famous Great Geysir area to see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, an active geyser that spouts every few minutes as well as numerous other hot springs. The Geysir Service Center offers a restaurant, hotel, swimming pool, souvenir shop, snack bar, gas station, horse rental, quad bike tours, and a camping area. Continue to the majestic waterfall Gullfoss one of Icelands largest and most beautiful waterfall. From here head to the National Park Ůingvellir, a unique place from a geological point of view. Research has shown that Thingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale. The faults and fissures of the area show clear evidence of rifting of the earth's crust, - continental drift. There are few places in the world, -if any, where evidence of continental drift is as obvious as it is here. Thingvellir is also the most historical place in Iceland and a place of exceptional beauty. Continue to ReykjavÝk.

Day 14. A Relaxing Bath at The Blue Lagoon

Drive to the Blue Lagoon and enjoy a relaxing bath in an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other to prepare you for your journey home. Filled with mineral-rich waters. Soak in the refreshing and healing waters of the Blue Lagoon, and have a wonderful last unforgettable taste of Iceland, that ensures that you are fully relaxed when you leave Iceland. If you plan to take a bath at the Blue Lagoon, we strongly recommend that you book your ticket in advance. It can be booked at www.bluelagoon.com Return to ReykjavÝk and drop off the car.

Day 15. Departure

Transfer from your hotel to the KeflavÝk airport by FLYBUS.

ACCOMMODATION

Cat 1

Rooms in guesthouses with shared facilities but sometimes with washbasins in the rooms. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another. Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.

Cat 2

Rooms in guesthouses or hotels with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included.

Cat 3

Rooms in the best quality accommodation available with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included. Double rooms at most Icelandic hotels are twin rooms with two single beds. In most cases the two single beds can be put together to make a double bed. However this varies from one hotel / guesthouse to another.Triple rooms are in most cases double rooms with an extra bed and therefore floor space may be limited when an extra bed has been added.

CARS

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: AutomaticSeats: 5Suitcases: 4Doors: 5

Optional Extra: Would you like to do some extra activities? Below activities can be added to this tour.

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Please note that the tour can not start on Thursdays after 28. August

Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

Drop off is in ReykjavÝk the day prior to your departure ľ day 14.

An extra day will be charged if the car is returned later.
Due to road conditions routes may have to be altered without prior notice.
The highland tracks of Iceland are usually not expected to be open until early June and due to road conditions some routes may temporarily not be passable without prior notice.

Types of car recommended: 4x4 car with high road clearance is required for this tour.

Accommodation is according to your choice in farmhouses, guesthouses or hotels, cat. 1, 2 or 3. including breakfast. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the Icelandic countryside and a great demand for summer, we are only able to confirm specific category but not a specific hotel in each locality until booking has been made and confirmed.

Early morning arrival: Check in time at hotels is usually between 14:00 - 16:00. If you arrive early morning, you may not be able to check in immediately on arrival.
A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. Cash and debit card deposits will not be accepted. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges, including extra driven kilometres if applicable, extra insurance, parking fines, damages or any costs due to the car rental company as a result of the hirer's use of the car.

Self Drive tours can often be modified according to the clientĺs wishes. If you want to change or extend the tour, add days etc, please contact our office.

Travel Insurance:
To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

Price Calculator:
There are several factors that determine the price of self drive packages:

There is a special Price Calculator button at our website with every self drive tour package where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation and car, number of people and when you want to begin the tour (arrival date) and the Price Calculator will calculate and display the price of different options.

Note:
Day(s) can be added before and / or after if your arrival and departure does not fit the itinerary of this tour. Additional day tours can be added for the additional day/s. If you have any questions please don┤t hesitate to contact us by email to tour@tour.is and we will be more than happy to advice.